UFC 194: 5 keys to victory for Luke Rockhold

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Apr 18, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; Lyoto Machida (red) and Luke Rockhold (blue) fight during their middleweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Prudential Center. Rockhold won via second round tap out. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Get Top Position

Given Weidman’s wrestling ability and Rockhold’s submission grappling acumen at some point this fight is going to hit the mat. Weidman and Rockhold both like to work the ground game but because both men have dominant top games the fighter who is able to secure top position will win this fight.

Rockhold has an impressive ground game and he can work off of his back but that is not where he wants to be against Weidman. Weidman is a strong wrestler with devastating ground and pound and incredible hip pressure. If Weidman gets on top he is going to punish Rockhold.

If and when this fight goes to the mat, Rockhold needs to sweep and scramble his way into top position. Weidman may have a BJJ black belt but because of his years of wrestling being on his back is a less than ideal position.

In addition to Weidman just being uncomfortable on his back Rockhold’s top game is a joy to watch. Between ground and pound, transitions and submission attempts Rockhold can and will force Weidman to make a mistake and when he does Rockhold will finish the fight. Securing top position will make or break Rockhold at UFC 194.

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